week 10 day 3

2 Corinthians 5
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205&version=NIV

5:1–5 Second Corinthians 5:1–10 shows that one’s attitude toward the future life is fundamental to one’s ethical conduct on earth. “Now” (5:1) is a link back to 4:18 (cf. 4:1, 16 and the use of “Therefore”). Paul provided one example of the eternal things that are not seen (5:1–5). Again, Paul confirmed that his groanings were not because he was weak or unqualified but because he longed for the eternal and perfect body (5:4, 6; see the same groaning in Rom. 8:23).

Because of the burdens of life lived in a physical body, the believer longs, not to be bodiless (“naked” or “unclothed”), but to live in a resurrected, glorified body. The guarantee (5:5) is a down payment that renders further or final payments obligatory. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee or pledge of the believer’s future and complete redemption. Paul explained that even the threat of physical death is no reason to lose heart.

5:6–10 Excavations in ancient Corinth have uncovered a raised platform known as the bema (“judgment”) seat (5:10). It was there that Paul was accused before Gallio (a.d. 51–65), proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12). Paul used this terminology and imagery to describe the future judgment of the works of believers (cf. 1 Cor. 3:13–15).

5:11–19 The purpose of 2 Corinthians 1–7, if not of the entire letter, is revealed in 5:12. At this point Paul gave an answer to pride in appearances (5:11–15). The struggle was to communicate the hidden message, the veiled glory (3:14–15), the treasure in earthen vessels (4:6–7). Although not manifest to humans, Paul’s adequacy and approval were manifest to the only one who counted—God. The fear of the Lord is a major theme of Old Testament Wisdom Literature (5:11; cf. Prov. 1:7). The fear of the Lord is expressed, not so much in trembling knees, but in obeying God (Eccles. 12:13) and departing from evil (Job 28:28). The contrasts in 2 Corinthians 5:13 will take full expression in 2 Corinthians 10–12, where Paul will play the fool to teach true wisdom.

Paul continued his discourse on adequacy in Christ by putting forth his means of regarding people (5:16–19). The key “heart” versus “seen” distinction (5:12) was used to regard people in light of God’s grace in Christ, not according to the flesh (5:16–17). Paul no longer judged from a perspective that limited itself to what the eyes could see and the mind deduce. Paul saw all men according to their potential as having “new life” in Christ. To reconcile (5:18) implies “to change.” Reconciliation by the death of Christ means that humanity’s state of alienation from God is changed by the death of Christ (Rom. 5:11) so that all have the opportunity to be saved.
5:20–21 From the world’s perspective, the paradox of Christian glory is that Christ’s sin-bearing suffering accomplished righteousness for the believer. Second Corinthians 5:21 declares the essence of Christ’s work. The sinless Savior has taken mankind’s sins in order that believers might share in God’s righteousness.


Discussion question

In verse 17 says that if we accept Christ in our lives we are “new creation; the old has gone, the new has come1”

What new should come into our lives? What are the marks of a Christians?

Reflection question

Are these actions or characteristics active in your life?



Last posting this week, next posting Sunday. Have a Happy Thanksgiving